Engine failure and forced landing due to improper fueling

No fatalities • Houston-William P. Hobby, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss shortly after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in a field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

What happened

Prior to departure, the aircraft was loaded with 140 gallons of Jet A fuel. During the initial climb phase following takeoff, both engines experienced a complete loss of power. Due to the low altitude of the aircraft at the time of the failure, the pilot was unable to perform a return to the departure airfield and instead performed an emergency landing in a nearby field. The impact caused significant damage to the left wing, which subsequently led to a post-crash fire.

Findings

Investigations revealed that the aircraft type's reciprocating engines had been improperly supplied with Jet A fuel instead of the required AVGAS. While the line service worker noted an absence of instructional decals at the fuel ports during the fueling process, investigators discovered an AVGAS specification decal on the right-wing port during the post-accident inspection. The condition of the left-wing fuel port could not be verified because the fire destroyed much of the left wing structure.

Probable cause

The engines failed because the aircraft was mistakenly fueled with Jet A instead of the required AVGAS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-05-06 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Houston-William P. Hobby, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss shortly after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in a field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-05-06 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-05-06 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration XB-FQS, operated by Private Mexico, at Houston-William P. Hobby, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed because the aircraft was mistakenly fueled with Jet A instead of the required AVGAS.

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